Safety First

Let's hear about safety from Laurie Anne, our early literacy trainer.

As parents and caregivers, we all want our children to be happy and healthy. There is so much information available for a variety of ways to make our children safe: furniture, outdoor, playground, kitchen, water, sports and on and on.

We've chosen four areas of childhood safety to highlight this month to provide  you with trusted organizations and websites that offer very specific information and tips on keeping your children safe. Each of these websites also have other topics you can explore with areas of concern you may have.

Car Seat Safety

• Read the CDC's child passenger safety, opens a new window recommendations.
• Colorado's Department of Transportation, opens a new window has a comprehensive site for state-specific car seat information.
• Safe Kids Worldwide's, opens a new window page on car seat types and installation.
• American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org, opens a new window provide tips for giving your car and booster seats a checkup.
• Want a certified technician to check your seat? Find a Colorado car seat inspection station, opens a new window near you.
  

  ---

Safe Sleeping

• The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has crib recommendations and information on crib recalls.
• HealthyChildren.org has a wealth of information on baby sleep safety. They even explain the American Academy of Pediatrics' newest sleep safety policy.
• The National Institute of Health has a website dedicated to preventing SIDS and making sleeping conditions safe for babies.
• Take the pledge with First Candle to provide a safe sleeping environment for your baby.
  

  ---

Choking and Strangulation Prevention

• Nationwide Children's Hospital, opens a new window in Columbus, OH, has an FAQ on food and choking hazards.
• How to avoid strangulation by window cords from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, opens a new window.
• What should you do if your child is choking? The American Red Cross has steps for child and infant first aid, opens a new window.
• HealthyChildren.org, opens a new window has a short guide on choking prevention.            

  ---

Fire Safety

• Prepare your household for a fire using this American Red Cross, opens a new window guide.
• Safe Kids Worldwide has lists for fire, opens a new window and carbon monoxide, opens a new window safety.
• Take a look at these free tips, opens a new window from the National Fire Protection Association.

Need more specific information for your child and family? Please let us help! Our librarians are experts on how to find the right kind of information for you. Fill out the Ask a Librarian request to get started right away.